Complete smokefree policies in mental health inpatient settings
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Complete smokefree policies in mental health inpatient settings: exploring the impact on smoking behaviour and the role of electronic cigarettes
IRAS ID
255187
Contact name
Elena Ratschen
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Tobacco smoking is one of the leading preventable causes of death in the UK. Smoking prevalence in those with a mental illness is in excess of three times that of the general population (40-80% vs 16%), substantially increasing risks of smoking-related mortality. Resultantly, NICE recommends that all mental health settings be entirely smokefree, with no smoking breaks facilitated and evidence-based treatment for temporary abstinence and smoking cessation made available to patients. Implementation approaches and support offered to smokers, however, varies across trusts, with the extent and likely impact of this is unknown. A recent CRUK funded evaluation of the impact of policy implementation raised two primary questions 1) How does admission to a smokefree mental health treatment ward change patients’ smoking behaviour and attitudes during and after the inpatient stay? 2) What is the role of electronic cigarettes in the implementation of smokefree policies in mental health inpatient settings?
This study aims to answer these questions by interviewing inpatients from 6 mental health wards across three NHS trusts in Yorkshire. A sample of 104 eligible patients (over 18 years old, reported to be a tobacco smoker on admission, capacity to provide informed study consent) will be recruited over a four-month period, completing questionnaires at three time points: 1) on the ward after admission, 2) approximately 1 week after discharge, and 3) 1 month after discharge. Questionnaire questions will collect information about participant demographics, cigarette consumption (Heaviness of Smoking Index), strength of urges to smoke, motivation to stop smoking, smoking-related support offered and accepted during admission and after discharge, electronic cigarette use, and experiences of and suggestions for improving smoking-related support. Participants will be given a £20 shopping voucher on completion of the third interview, to thank them for their participation.REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0135
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jan 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion